Location
Northern Shan State on the Namtu River
Key Rail Monument
Gokteik Viaduct (Built 1900, 102m high trestle railway)
Top Activity
2-Day / 1-Night village trekking and homestays
Royal Heritage
East Haw (Shan Palace of the last Saopha prince)
The Tranquil Shan Highland Retreat
Nestled in a lush river basin in northern Shan State, Hsipaw was the royal seat of an ancient Shan principality governed for centuries by hereditary princes known as Saophas. Today, it has evolved into Myanmar's premier destination for gentle, authentic rural trekking through tea plantations, Palaung tribal villages, and pine-clad hills.
Crossing the Historic Gokteik Viaduct
The journey to Hsipaw on the Mandalay-Lashio railway crosses the Gokteik Viaduct. Constructed by the Pennsylvania Steel Company in 1900 during British colonial rule, the 689-meter-long trestle bridge spans a 102-meter-deep limestone gorge. As the train crawls at 5 km/h with open windows directly over the sheer drop, passengers enjoy heart-stopping panoramic views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are multi-day treks in Hsipaw safe and guided?
Yes, local licensed Shan guides lead guided 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day treks through designated safe villages with welcoming homestay accommodations.